5:30 LRN Newscast July 26

Two-thirds of motorists have been making significant changes in their driving habits to combat high gas prices, that’s according to a Triple-A survey. Spokesperson Don Redman says even though the statewide average for a gallon of regular gas has dropped to $3.92, the changes in driving habits will most likely continue.

Cut 4  (10) “…the winter.”

The Department of Children and Family Services is expanding pandemic benefits for eligible K-12 students this summer. Assistant Secretary for Family Support Shavana Howard the benefits will be added automatically. And the website is p-ebtla-dot-org. has information about the program and what can be purchased.

Cut 11 (05)  “…p-ebt card.”

When qualifying for fall elections was over last week, two U.S. House district races had no Democrat entered. Kevin Gallagher looks at why…?

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

Raising Canes CEO Todd Graves has bought 50-thousand tickets for tonight’s massive Mega Millions drawing. Graves says if any of the tickets wins the big jackpot, he will split it evenly among his company’s employees. The jackpot is now roughly $830-million.

4:30 LRN Newscast July 26

According to AAA close to two-thirds of motorists have made lifestyle changes due to prices at the pump…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Thorington.”

Morehouse Parish deputies are investigating three separate shooting incidents in the small town of Bastrop in just eight days; all outside one local convenience store. LEO’s believe all are the result of disputes that are drug-related. Tipsters are asked to call the MPSO and share what they know.

 

The state Department of Children and Family Services has received approval to expand pandemic benefits for eligible K-12 students to help cover the cost of food for the summer. Assistant Secretary for Family Support Shavana Howard says students who received free or reduced-price meals and were in school in May of 2022, won’t have to apply for summer P-EBT benefits…:

CUT 10(06)      “…the benefits.”

Sign up or get more information at “PEBT.la.org”

In New Orleans, the federal tax fraud trial of Orleans D.A. Jason Williams has gone to the jury. Prosecutors say Williams and a business partner willingly filed false returns to get out of paying thousand in taxes. Williams’ defense attorneys blame it all on his accountant, but called no witnesses. A verdict is expected soon.

3:30 LRN Newscast July 26

Federal money flows into Louisiana to establish broadband internet service to some 66-thousand homes & businesses in 50 parishes. Veneeth Iyengar is Director of the Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity. He says the money comes from the America Rescue Plan, and using it they have a goal to eliminate the digital divide in Louisiana by 2029…:

CUT 14(07)      “…spent wisely.”

See if your parish will benefit. Visit “connect. La.gov”

According to a survey by AAA, motorists are making significant changes in their driving habits to combat high gas prices. Louisiana AAA’s Don Redman says that’s true, and these are the three behaviors they’re changing…:

CUT 03(09)      “…the economy.”

Gas IS in retreat. The statewide average for regular is now $3.92; down 53-cents from a month ago.

 

When qualifying for fall elections ended last week, it was clear that NO Democrat candidates were running in TWO congressional races. Shreveport Congressman Mike Johnson had no challenger at all – winning re-election unopposed. Baton Rouge area Congressman Garret Graves has two contenders, but neither are Democrats. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says both are strong “red” districts with little hope for a Democrat to win. Nevertheless, he says, the absence of any well-known Dems in those races isn’t a good sign for future Democrat electoral endeavors…:

CUT 08(09)      “…in the 2023 elections.”

Deputies in Lafourche Parish arrest a Golden Meadow man for allegedly planting a camera in a woman’s home and capturing photos of her nude. The victim called deputies who found images of 65-year-old Ricky Cheramie also on the camera, installing the device. He’s been booked with video voyeurism and further charges may be coming.

2:30 LRN Newscast July 26

Motorists have been making significant changes in their driving habits to combat high gas prices, that’s according to a Triple-A survey. Spokesperson Don Redman says almost two-thirds of drivers are changing their driving and spending routines…even foregoing vacations…:

CUT 05(10)      “…reduce those expenditures.”

After qualifying for the fall midterm elections ended last week, it was evident there were no democrat candidates in two congressional races. Why? District 4’s Mike Johnson was just re-elected, having drawn NO opponent – democrat or otherwise. In District 6, Garret Graves has two challengers; a republican and a libertarian. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says those two worked hard for the folks back home…:

CUT 07(13)      “…constituents satisfied.”

He says those districts favor Republicans, but this still bodes ill for democrats in the 2023 elections.

 

The state Department of Children and Family Services receives approval to expand pandemic benefits for eligible K-12 students to help cover the cost of food for the summer. Assistant Secretary for Family Support Shavana Howard says it’s part of the USDA’s summer program…:

CUT 09(05)      “…separate installments.”

For those who did not receive benefits in May, Howard says they would need to apply by this Friday, July 29th.

$130-million will be used from the America Rescue Plan to bring more affordable and accessible internet to over 66-thousand homes and small businesses in 50 parishes. Director of the Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity Veneeth Iyengar says to find out if your parish will benefit, go to “connect.la.gov”…:

CUT 13(12)      “…made yesterday.”

1:30 LRN Newscast July 26

Days after a state judge blocked enforcement of the state’s abortion ban, Judge Donald Johnson has also denied a motion from Attorney General Jeff Landry to suspend the ruling while they pursue an appeal. So, in the meantime abortions can continue, Landry expects the issue will eventually be decided by the state supreme court.

When qualifying for fall elections was over last week, two U.S. House district races had no Democrat entered in the race. Kevin Gallagher looks at why…?

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

130-million dollars will be used from the America Rescue Plan to bring more affordable and accessible internet to over 66-thousand households and small businesses in 50 parishes. Director of the Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity Veneeth Iyengar says internet service providers will use this federal money to boost high-speed internet in rural areas….

Cut 12 (12) “…throughout the state”   

Two-thirds of motorists have been making significant changes in their driving habits to combat high gas prices, that’s according to a Triple-A survey. Spokesperson Don Redman says even though the statewide average for a gallon of regular gas has dropped to $3.92, the changes in driving habits will most likely continue.

Cut 4  (10) “…the winter.”

 

12:30 LRN Newscast July 26

According to Triple-A close to two-thirds of motorists have made lifestyle changes due to prices at the pump…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Thorington.”

Raising Canes CEO Todd Graves has bought 50-thousand tickets for tonight’s massive Mega Millions drawing. Graves says if any of the tickets wins the big jackpot, he will split it evenly among his company’s employees. The jackpot is now roughly $810-million.

 

Qualifying for the fall federal midterm elections ended last week with no Democrat candidate in two congressional district races. Why? LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says District 4’s Mike Johnson was just re-elected, having drawn NO opponent; democrat or otherwise. In District 6, Garret Graves has two challengers; a republican and a libertarian. Hogan says those are both VERY conservative districts…:

CUT 06(07)      “…are very low.”

He says Johnson and Graves have also worked hard to assure constituents are happy with them. Hogan says the lack of well-known Democrats running this fall bodes ill for statewide eklections next fall.

…and now today’s markets…

11:30 LRN Newscast July 26

Motorists have been making significant changes in their driving habits to combat high gas prices, that’s according to a AAA survey. Spokesman Don Redman says almost two-thirds of drivers are changing their driving routines and the top three behaviors they’ve altered are…:

CUT 03(10)      “…the economy.”

The statewide average price of regular gas $3.92; down 53-cents from a month ago.

$130-million in federal money has come to Louisiana to expand broadband access statewide. Coincidentally, the state is also piloting a program to improve the state’s digital literacy rate. Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Kim Hunter Reed says they hope to see a 50-percent increase within five years…:

CUT 10(08)      “…forward in Louisiana.

 

The FastStart incentive program at Louisiana Economic Development takes top honors for the 13th time. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

Catahoula Parish deputies hope to identify the remains of a woman found last weekend by fishermen in Black River, near Jonesville. She is between 20 and 40 years of age, but due to advanced decomposition, the I.D. is hard. They ask if anyone thinks they can help identify the woman, call 318-744-5411; ask for Detective King.

10:30 LRN Newscast July 26

Louisiana’s FastStart program at the Louisiana Economic Development office is the best in the nation according to the magazine Business Facilities. Executive Director of LED FastStart, Paul Helton says the incentive program provides recruitment, training, and workforce pipeline services for businesses at no cost in exchange for creating jobs in the Bayou State.

Cut 8 (11)  “…that company recruit.”

In addition to the $130 million Louisiana is receiving to expand broadband access in its first phase from the American Rescue Plan, the state is also piloting a program to improve the state’s digital literacy rate. Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Kim Hunter Reed says the pilot will start in five parishes.

Cut  11 (11)  “…the internet.” 

The next election for a Louisiana governor is a little over a year away and U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy is reportedly considering a run for the state’s highest office. His wife, Dr. Laura Cassidy was a guest on Jim Engster’s Talk Louisiana radio program, and she says it will be year’s end before Senator Cassidy announces his decision, and he’ll be weighing things heavily until then…:

Cut 15 (09)  “… best fits the ability.”

The multi-state Mega Millions lottery jackpot has grown to a near-record amount for tonight’s drawing. Louisiana Lottery spokesman Dustin Annison says it is the 3rdlargest jackpot for Mega Millions and the 4th largest in U.S. lottery history…:

Cut 4 (07)  “…that kind of money.”

You heard that right $810 million before taxes.

09:30 LRN Newscast, July 26th

Have you bought your tickets yet? Tonight’s Mega Millions jackpot sits at an estimated $810 million dollars with a $470 million-dollar lump sum payout. Louisiana Lottery spokesman Dustin Annison has good advice for anyone who plays the Lottery; no matter which game…:
Cut 6 (09) “you can claim it”
If there is NO winner in tonight’s drawing, the Mega Million jackpot could easily grow to over a billion dollars.

The Louisiana Economic Development’s LED FastStart program, which helps businesses coming to or expanding in the state, is number one in the nation according to Business Facilities magazine. Director of LED FastStart, Paul Helton says FastStart also works with educational partners like the Louisiana Community and Technical College System…:
Cut 9 (03) “is needing”
In 2021, the program reported 6,000+ hours of training for 32 firms in the state.

The New Orleans City council’s Utility, Cable, Telecommunications and Technology Committee today will discuss placing a moratorium on power shutoffs by Entergy New Orleans until November 1st for delinquent customers struggling to pay skyrocketing summer bills. Residents throughout the state report having trouble paying their electricity bills this summer because they are so high.

Louisiana voters are starting too look at who they might be voting for governor with the race a little over a year away. Attorney General Jeff Landry, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, and State Treasurer John Schroder have all voiced plans to run for governor. As for US Senator Bill Cassidy, his wife Dr. Laura Cassidy says her husband is focused on the job he has at the moment…:
CUT 13 (11) “big things right now”
The comments were made on Jim Engster’s radio show, Talk Louisiana.

08:30 LRN Newscast, July 26th

Have you seen the size of the jackpot for tonight’s Mega Millions drawing? Kevin Gallagher reports someone could be a multi-millionaire tomorrow morning…:
Cut 1 (34) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

Gas prices are staying in reverse. AAA says lower demand and lower oil prices keep sliding the price at the pump as the current statewide average stands at $3.92 which is down two cents overnight. We’re paying 52 cents less than this time last month.

With the next election for a Louisiana governor a little over a year away, many ask will U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy enter the race? Appearing on Jim Engster’s Talk Louisiana radio program, Cassidy’s wife, Dr. Laura Cassidy, says the senator’s work in Congress is his top priority…:
Cut 14 (07) “end of the year”
Attorney General Jeff Landry, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, and State Treasurer John Schroder have all voiced plans to run for governor.

Louisiana is getting $130 million to expand internet access for folks across the state, and now there is a program to improve digital literacy. Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Kim Hunter Reed…:
Cut 12 (07) “successfully”
She says they hope to increase the digital literacy rate by 50 percent in five years.